Radial ground drive and blade clutch control for lawnmower

ABSTRACT

A compact, versatile lawnmower control is provided which is especially useful for holding and releasing ground drive and blade clutch cables and which allow connection and removal of the cable end without dismantling the control, allows the optional inclusion of a releasable handle lock, and allow the use of a deadman handle to release two cables at differing release distances. The preferred control includes an operating handle having a tubular body rotatably mounted within a housing; a coupling element rotatably mounted coaxially with the handle body for coupling with a deadman handle; and a holding and releasing means intercoupling the element and the body for holding the handle in a second position when the element is in the operating position and for releasing the handle for shifting to a first position when the element shifts to a relaxed position. Additionally, the preferred control includes means whereby the cable can be connected to and removed from the handle without dismantling the control and means preventing handle movement when released by a manually operated release lever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is concerned with an improved cable control devicefor use on walk-behind lawnmowers of the type having a cable actuatedblade clutch and cable actuated ground drive for propelling the wheelsof the lawnmower. More particularly, the present invention is concernedwith a compact and versatile cable control device for shifting alawnmower control cable between engaged and disengaged positions, andfor coupling with a deadman handle whereby the device releases forshifting of the cable to the disengaged position whenever the deadmanhandle is moved away from its operating position. Additionally, thepresent invention is concerned with a means for connecting and removingthe cable from the control device handle without dismantling the device,for providing a manually releasable handle lock, and for providing asystem for controlling two cables which are released at two differentdeadman handle positions.

2. Description of the Prior Art

So-called walk-behind rotary powered mowers are well known and inwidespread use. Generally speaking, such mowers include a lowermosthousing supported on spaced wheels with a gasoline powered enginecoupled to a rotary mower blade disposed within the housing, and alsooptionally coupled to the lawnmower wheels for powered propulsionthereof. An elongated U-shaped handle is typically affixed to thehousing at the rear thereof so that the user simply guides the mower ina "walk-behind" fashion.

Safety concerns and government regulations have prompted the need forimproved safety in the operation of power mowers. For example, mowersare commonly equipped with a so-called "deadman" handle which generallyincludes a spring-biased bail or other handle which is grasped by theoperator during normal operation of the mower. If the bail is released,mowing action is rapidly terminated for reasons of safety. Suchtermination may be by way of stopping the motor or through a clutchmechanism operatively coupled to the bail which disengages the bladefrom the mower motor and commonly brakes the blade to a stop when thebail is released.

Additionally, if a particular mower includes a ground drive, that is,self-propelled wheels, it is also necessary to disengage the grounddrive in the event the deadman handle is released. Stopping of thewheels may be accomplished by disengaging a ground drive clutch operatedby means of a control cable.

In response to the safety needs as discussed above, a number of cablecontrol devices are available whereby release of a deadman handle causesa cable to disengage thereby disengaging a blade clutch control, grounddrive, or the like. A typical cable control device must be capable ofcoupling with one end of the lawnmower control cable and of couplingwith the deadman handle. Known prior art devices such as that disclosedin Carlson Pat. No. 4,428,180, however, tend to be bulky in order toaccommodate all the required mechanical functions.

It is sometimes desired to provide a blade clutch control which requirestwo distinct operating steps in order to engage the blade clutch toensure such does not occur inadvertently. The length of clutch cabletravel, however, varies between mower brands and models. Thus, atwo-step control must be provided which is specifically designed forcable travel of the particular make or model. This requires theprovision of various models of blade clutch control devices in order toaccommodate the variations in clutch cable travel distances.

Additionally, known prior art cable devices are designed such that thecable must be incorporated within the device during manufacture andassembly thereof. As a result, purchasers of the cable control devicesmust specify the cable length when ordering the device. If the cablebreaks during use or during lawnmower assembly, it is necessary to ordera whole new device for the sake of replacing a broken cable or todisassemble the device in order to replace only the cable with theattendant risk of the parts being lost or broken before reassembly.

Finally, known prior art lawnmower control systems for use with twocontrol cables, such as with a blade clutch cable and a ground drivecable, are designed so that release of the deadman handle causes releaseand disengagement of both cables. Known prior art systems do not allowpartial movement of the deadman handle in order to release the grounddrive, for example, while leaving the blade clutch control engaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problems outlined above are solved by the cable control device andsystem of the present invention. That is to say, the present inventionprovides for a compact cable control device which allows cablereplacement without disassembly of the device, provides an optionallyincluded handle lock which can accommodate individually varying cabletravel lengths, and provides for control of two cables whereby thecables are released to their disengaged positions at different distancesof deadman handle travel.

The preferred device in accordance with the present invention includes ashiftable operating handle including means for connecting with alawnmower control cable and for selectively shifting the cable betweenfirst and second positions in response to shifting of the operatinghandle between corresponding first and second positions, the cable beingbiased toward the first position and thereby biasing the operatinghandle toward the first position, the operating handle including arotatable body; and an operating mechanism including a housing meansrotatably mounting the body, a rotatable coupling element for couplingwith the lawnmower deadman handle and rotatable between and operatingand relaxed positions in response to corresponding shifting of thedeadman handle when coupled thereto, means rotatably mounting theelement in coaxial alignment with the body, and holding and releasingmeans intercoupling the element and the body for holding the operatinghandle in the second position when the element is in the operatingposition and for releasing the operating handle for shifting to thefirst position when the element is in the relaxed position.

More particularly, the holding and releasing means includes a shiftablepawl for engagement with a blocking surface defined on the interior wallof the body when the operating handle is in the second position in orderto hold the operating handle in the second position, and shiftableretaining means coupled with the element for retaining the pawl inengagement with the blocking surface when in a retaining position andwhen the element is in the operating position, and for releasing thepawl from engagement when the element is in the relaxed position.

Additionally, the preferred device includes an operating handleshiftable along an operating path and including structure defining arecess for normally receiving the end of a lawnmower control cable, acable outlet, and a cable end removal opening, the outlet and openingboth being in communication with the recess, the cable outlet presentinga cable passageway for passage of the cable from the cable end away fromthe handle in a first direction for connection to a remote, controlpoint, the removal opening being oriented for removal of the cable endfrom the recess by moving the cable end in a second direction differentfrom the first direction; and a support housing having walls forshiftably supporting the handle and having structure defining a cableend removal aperture in one of the walls, the aperture being orientedfor registration with the opening when the handle reaches apredetermined point along the operating point thereof, the cable endbeing removable from the handle and the housing when the handle isshifted to the predetermined registration point.

Also, the preferred control device includes a shiftable handle includingmeans for connecting the handle with the end of a lawnmower cable forselectively shifting the cable between engaged and disengaged positionsin response to shifting of the handle between a primary positioncorresponding to the engaged position of the cable and one of aplurality of secondary positions, the one secondary positioncorresponding to the disengaged position of the cable; means forreleasably preventing shifting of the handle toward the primary positionfrom any of the secondary positions; and means for releasing the handlein order to allow the handle to shift toward the primary position fromany of the secondary positions.

Finally, the preferred control system broadly includes a first cablecontrol device having a first shiftable operating handle including meansfor connecting with a first control cable end for selectively shiftingthe first cable between the first and second positions in response tothe shifting of the operating handle between the corresponding first andsecond positions, the first cable, when connected with the firstoperating handle, correspondingly biasing the first handle toward thefirst position; a second cable control device having a second shiftableoperating handle including means for connecting with a second lawnmowercable end for selectively shifting the second cable between the firstand second positions in response to shifting of the second operatinghandle between corresponding first and second positions, the secondcable, when connected with the first operating handle, correspondinglybiasing the second operating handle toward the first position; a deadmanhandle having an operating position and being shiftable toward and awayfrom the operating position; means operatively coupling the controldevices with the deadman handle, the first device including means forholding the first handle in the second position when the deadman handleis in the operating position and for releasing the first handle in orderto allow the first handle to shift from the second position to the firstposition when the deadman handle shifts a first predetermined distanceaway from the operating position, the second control device includingmeans for holding the first handle in the second position when thedeadman handle is in the operating position and for releasing the secondhandle in order to allow the second handle to shift from the secondposition to the first position when the deadman handle shifts a secondpredetermined distance, different from the first predetermined distance,away from the operating position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial top plan view of a lawnmower control showing a pairof control devices coupled to a lawnmower handle, a pair of controlcables, and a deadman handle;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the lawnmower controlof FIG. 1 showing, in phantom lines, alternative positions of theoperating handle of one device and deadman handle;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the opposite side ofthe control of FIG. 1 showing the other control device with alternativepositions of the operating handle and deadman handle in phantom lines;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the control showing alternatelocations of a lawnmower handle in phantom lines;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the control, with thecontrol device in partial section, and with positions of the deviceshown in phantom lines;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but showing the control in a shiftedposition as compared to FIG. 5:

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but showing the control in a shiftedposition as compared to FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 but showing the control in a shiftedposition as compared to FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the lawnmower controlshowing a second control device in partial section with alternativepositions of the control shown in phantom;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10--10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary partially sectional view of the control device;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view along line 12--12 of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of alternate pawl retainers and a couplingelement.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred use of apair of control devices 10 and 12 in accordance with the presentinvention in the preferred environment of use with a lawnmower.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, control device 10 is coupled with grounddrive cable 14 enclosed in sheath 16. One end of cable 14 is coupled tothe blade clutch control mechanism 18. Spring 20 biases cable 14 towardthe disengaged position (leftwardly as shown in FIG. 2).

FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate control device 12 coupled with blade clutchcable 22 enclosed in sheath 24 One end of cable 22 is coupled by way ofblade clutch biasing spring 26 to blade clutch control mechanism 28.Spring 26 biases cable 22 toward the disengaged position (rightwardly asshown in FIG. 3).

Deadman handle or bail 30 intercouples devices 10 and 12 as shown inFIG. 1. In the preferred environment of use, devices 10 and 12 arerespectively coupled to opposed legs of U-shaped lawnmower handle 32.Deadman handle 30 is preferably configured as a rotatable bail as bestshown in FIG. 1. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, thatdeadman handle 30 could be configured as a depressable lever extendablefrom handle 32 in addition to other possible configurations.

Turning now to the details of the preferred control device in accordancewith the present invention, control device 10 broadly includes handle34, operating mechanism 36, handle locking mechanism 38 (FIGS. 11, 12),and device fastening means 40 (FIGS. 2, 3).

Operating handle 34 is configured to present an extended graspableportion 42 and a tubularly-shaped body 44. Body 44 presents exteriorcircumferential wall 46, interior wall 48, left side wall 50 (FIGS.5-10), and right side wall 52 (FIG. 10).

Body 44 also includes means for coupling with cable end 54 whichconventionally presents a T-shaped configuration including a retainingpin 56 extending orthogonally from both sides of cable 14. Means forcoupling cable end 54 to said body 44 includes cable end recess 58,cable outlet 60, cable end removal opening 62, and cable groove orpassageway 64.

Recess 58 is defined in left side wall 50 to present a generallyeliptical cross-section as shown in FIGS. 5-9. Cable passageway orgroove 64 extends along exterior wall 46 about an arc of approximately120°. One end of cable passageway 64 communicates with recess 58 by wayof cable outlet 60. Removal opening 62 extends outwardly through leftside wall 50.

Cable retaining pin 56 is received in recess 58 with cable 14 extendingthrough cable outlet 60 and along passageway 64. Cable 14 is receivedvariably along the arc of passageway 64 depending upon the position ofoperating handle 34 as shown in FIG. 5-8.

Interior wall 48 includes recess 65 defined therein which furtherdefines blocking wall 66 disposed orthogonal to interior wall 48 andopposed outwardly sloping wall 68. The purpose of walls 66, 68 willbecome clear from the discussion hereinafter.

Exterior wall 46 also includes five locking recesses 70 defined thereinspaced about an arc of about 45°. Opposed ends of recesses 70 aredefined by a locking wall 72 generally orthogonal to exterior wall 46 atthat point, and an outwardly opening acute angled wall 74. The purposeof walls 72 and 74 will become clear from the discussion hereinafter.

Left side wall 50 presents an outwardly extending circular bearing wall76. Similarly, right side wall 52 also presents an outwardly extendingcircular right bearing wall 78. The purposes of bearing walls 76, 78will become clear from the discussion hereinafter.

Operating mechanism 36 includes irregularly shaped housing 80 configuredin two separable halves, rotatable bail coupling element 82, blockingpawl 84, and retainer 86.

Housing 80 rotatably receives tubular body 44 therein by providingbearing troughs (not shown) which are configured to correspondingly androtatably receive left and right bearing walls 76, 78. Additionally,housing 80 integrally includes cable sheath clip 88 for retaining theexpanded end of sheath 16. Sheath clip 88 generally tangentiallypresents cable 14 for reception in cable passageway 64. Additionally,the upper and lower portions of housing 80 are discontinuous in order topresent graspable portion 42 of handle 34 and to present cablepassageway 64 for access to cable 14 when replacement is necessary.

Housing 80 also includes removal aperture 90 (FIG. 2) whereby cable end54 can be removed therethrough when removal opening 62 and aperture 90are aligned in registration. Removal opening 62 and removal aperture 90are aligned when handle 34 is in the position as shown in FIG. 2. Thisposition is between the forwardmost or engaged position of handle 34 andthe rearwardmost or disengaged position of handle 34. In this way,opening 62 and aperture 90 are not aligned during normal at-restpositions of handle 34.

In order to remove cable 14, opening 62 and aperture 90 are aligned asshown in FIG. 2, cable 14 is manually grasped and pulled outwardly awayfrom passageway 64 until cable 14 extends outwardly at about 90° toexterior wall 46. With this alignment, cable 14 including cable end 54and retaining pin 56 are moved leftwardly whereby pin 56 and thatportion of cable 14 adjacent thereto move through removal opening 62 andremoval aperture 90. Sheath 16 is then removed from sheath clip 88 andcable 14 is thus disconnected from device 10. Another cable can then beplaced by reversing the above described steps. Thus, disassembly ofmechanism 36 is not required in order to replace cable 14.

Bail coupling element 82 is rotatably received in housing 80 so that itis coaxially aligned with and received within tubular body 44 of handle34. Coupling element 82 includes tubular bail coupling member 92,auxiliary member 94, and torsion spring 96.

Member 92 includes a rectangular in cross-section opening 98 configuredto receive the correspondingly shaped coupling end of deadman bail 30therein. Housing 80 includes a pair of opposed openings defined thereinfor respective access to opening 98 from either side of housing 80.

Auxiliary member 94 is preferably integrally coupled with member 92,extends outwardly therefrom, and includes spring coupling port 100,outwardly projecting retainer stop 102, outwardly projecting retainerspring coupling pin 104, and presents a pair of opposed spaced-apartstop surfaces 106 and 108 which limit the rotation of travel of couplingelement 82 as will be further explained hereinafter.

Torsion spring 96 is received about coupling member 92 with one endthereof received in spring coupling port 100 and the other end abuttinga conventional projection in housing 80 (not shown). Torsion spring 96biases coupling element 82 and thereby deadman bail 30 to the relaxedposition (counter-clockwise as shown in FIGS. 2, and 5-9).

Blocking pawl 84 is rotatably coupled within housing 80 by appropriatelyconfigured bearing surfaces (not shown) by way of pawl rotation pin 110.Pawl 84 presents blocking surface 112 and retaining surface 114 whichare configured at about 90° to one another about rotation pin 110 asshown in FIG. 5-9.

Retainer 86 includes tubular collar 116 rotatably received about bailcoupling member 92, stop dog 118 extending outwardly from collar 116,retaining cam 120 also extending outwardly from collar 116 andspaced-apart from dog 118, spring coupling projection 122 also extendingoutwardly from collar 116, and retainer spring 124. Spring 124 iscoupled between projection 122 and coupling pin 104 and biases retainer86 clockwise about and relative to bail coupling element 82 so that stopdog 118 is biased toward retainer stop 102. Retaining cam 120 presentsan outboard retaining surface 126 and adjacent movement surface 128.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, handle locking mechanism 38 includesslidable locking pawl 130 slidably received in housing 80, biasing lockspring 132, and rotatable unlocking lever 134 rotatably received inhousing 80.

Locking pawl 130 includes a pair of locking tips 136 and 138spaced-apart at the inboard end thereof (FIG. 12) which are configuredto be matingly received in locking recesses 70. Pawl 130 also includesunlocking projection 140.

Locking spring 132 is received between the outboard end of pawl 130 andhousing 80 so that pawl 30 is biased inwardly.

Unlocking lever 134 includes release cam 142 and manual release knob 144which extends exteriorally from housing 80 from the rearward sidethereof.

Fastening means 40 is shown in two alternatives. The first alternativeis associated with control device 10 and is basically in the form of anL-shaped strap having a fastener receiving hole 146 defined adjacent theend of one leg thereof and fastening clip 148 coupled adjacent the endof the other leg thereof. Fastener clip 148 is configured as shown bythe dashed lines of FIG. 1 to be received in a fastener hole defined inlawnmower handle 32 and fastener receiving hole 146 is configured toreceive a conventional bolt therethrough which extends through housing10 and handle 32. This first configuration of fastening means 40 isadvantageous in that only one conventional fastening bolt 150 isrequired.

The other alternative fastening means 40 is similar to the firstembodiment except that clip 148 is replaced by fastening flange 152having a fastener receiving hole defined therein. In this way, thesecond embodiment of fastening means 40 is configured to receive twofastening bolts 150 as a matter of designer choice. The secondembodiment of fastener means 40 is associated with control device 12 asshown in FIG. 1.

The use of control device 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5-8. Device10 is used in connection with the ground drive control of the lawnmowerand typically a handle locking mechanism 38 is not included in thisusage.

FIG. 2 illustrates device 10 in the disengaged position whereby cable 14is extended leftwardly in the disengaged position. Similarly, bail 30 isshown in the relaxed position being biased thereto by the action oftorsion spring 96 acting on bail coupling element 82. In this position,bail coupling element 82 is in its most counter-clockwise position withstop surface 106 resting against and being stopped by pawl rotation pin110.

To engage the lawnmower ground drive, the operator first places bail 30in the operating position by pulling it downwardly against lawnmowerhandle 32 which limits the downward movement of bail 30. This actionplaces bail coupling element 82 in the operating position also. Stopsurface 108 limits the travel of element 82 and bail 30 by abuttingagainst pawl rotation pin 110 when a bail is not present and element 82is otherwise rotated.

As bail coupling element 82 rotates clockwise, blocking pawl 84 preventssimilar movement of retainer 86 by abutting against movement surface 128of retaining cam 120. The clockwise movement of bail coupling element82, however, places tension on retainer spring 124 by virtue of theclockwise movement of spring coupling pin 104 associated with bailcoupling element 82. Thus, retainer 86 is biased clockwise but preventedfrom clockwise movement by blocking pawl 84. The phantom lines of FIG. 5illustrate bail coupling element 82 in the operating position.

Next, the operator moves graspable portion 42 of handle 34 forwardly sothat body 44 rotates counter-clockwise. When handle 34 reaches theextreme end of its travel as illustrated in FIG. 6, cable 14 movesrightwardly against the bias of spring 20 to the engaged position of thelawnmower ground drive.

In the engaged position, the position of recess 65 allows pawl 84 torotate therein. The clockwise biasing force on retainer 86 causesmovement surface 128 in contact with retaining surface 114 to rotatepawl 84 so that blocking surface 112 abuts blocking wall 66. Retainer 86continues to rotate to the position shown in FIG. 6 so that retainingsurface 126 abuts pawl retaining surface 114. Thus, retaining cam 120and pawl 84 prevent clockwise movement of handle 34 and maintains it inthe engaged position against the bias of ground drive spring 20.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the action of operating mechanism 36 as bail 30is raised to the release angle as determined by the configuration ofretainer 86. As bail 30 rotates counter-clockwise according to the biasof torsion spring 96, bail coupling element 82 and retainer 86 similarlyrotate counter-clockwise. At a rotation of about 30° in theconfiguration of FIGS. 5-8, retaining surface 126 moves out of contactwith pawl retaining surface 114 as illustrated in FIG. 7. When thisoccurs, the biasing force due to spring 20, causes body 44 to rotatecounter-clockwise whereby blocking wall 66 pushes against pawl blockingsurface 112 causing pawl 84 to rotate clockwise as shown in FIG. 8.

The force of ground drive spring 20 is such that body 44 will continueto rotate counterclockwise and complete the rotation of pawl 84 againstthe lesser bias of retainer spring 124. Once blocking wall 66 clearsblocking surface 112, handle 34 "snaps" quickly to the disengagedposition.

Thus, operating handle 34 holds cable 14 in the engaged position only solong as bail 30 is held against lawnmower handle 32. Once the bailrelease angle is reached, handle 34 is no longer retained in the engagedposition by mechanism 38, and handle 34 and cable 14 quickly move to thedisengaged position.

Inspection of the drawing figures, in particular FIG. 13, illustratesthat the bail release angle is determined by the configuration ofretainer 86. That is to say, the angular spacing between stop dog 118and retaining cam 120 determines the release angle.

Control devices 10 and 12 are identical except that device 12 includes adifferently configured retainer 154 and includes handle lockingmechanism 38.

Retainer 154 is identical to retainer 86 except that retainer 154 has agreater angular spacing in between stop dog 118 and retaining cam 120.Thus, bail 30 must be displaced a greater angular distance fromlawnmower handle 32 in order to disengage control device 12. With thisprovision, bail 30 can be raised an amount just sufficient to releaseground drive device 10 and then placed back in the operating position inorder to continue lawnmower operation with the blade clutch device 12engaged. This provision is particularly useful when the lawnmower userapproaches bushes or the like requiring forward and rearward movement ofthe lawnmower in order to mow the grass in the vicinity thereof. Thiseliminates the need for the operator to restart the blade clutch as isrequired with prior art devices wherein the blade clutch and grounddrive release at the same angle.

The versatility of the control device in accordance with the presentinvention is enhanced by the provision of optionally included handlelocking mechanism 38. As shown in FIG. 1, only control device 12incorporates this provision which is often desired for blade clutchcontrol in order to require two step action to engage the blade.

In the disengaged position as illustrated in FIG. 11, locking pawl tips136, 138 engage corresponding recesses 70. Specifically, pawl tips 36,138 abut locking wall 72 and acute-angled locking wall 74. With thisconfiguration, handle 34 cannot be moved toward the engaged position(counter-clockwise) without first retracting locking pawl 130 againstthe bias of locking spring 132. The slope of wall 34, however, allowshandle 34 to move from engaged to disengaged position (clockwise)without operation of unlocking lever 134.

The provision of a plurality of locking recesses 70 defines a pluralityof secondary positions one of which corresponds to the disengagedposition of the control cable. The provision of a plurality of secondarypositions is desirable to allow for variations in the required travel ofcable 22 depending upon the make and model of the lawnmower. Forexample, if a particular make or model of lawnmower requires only ashort travel distance of cable 22 between engaged and disengagedpositions, handle 34 might rotate to the first or rightmost lockingrecess at which point clutch biasing spring 26 is completely relaxed andno longer provides the motive force to completely rotate handle 34 toits extreme clockwise position.

Even with partial rotation, however, locking pawl 130 engages recess 70and prevents engagement of the blade clutch without operation ofunlocking lever 134. Thus, only a single model of control device need bestocked or purchased by the lawnmower manufacturer in order toaccommodate different cable travel lengths for different lawnmowermodels. Similarly, the provision of a plurality of locking recessescorresponding to a plurality of secondary disengaged positions allows amanufacturer of control devices to efficiently manufacture one modelwhich can be used by different manufacturers of lawnmowers.

To release locking pawl 30, the operator depresses manual release knob144 which causes release cam 142 to engage unlocking projection 140.This action slides locking pawl 130 outwardly (to the right as shown inFIG. 11) to free handle 34 for movement toward the engaged position.

Advantageously, bail 30 is configured as shown in FIG. 1 with aprojection which depresses manual release knob 144 when bail 30 is inthe operating position, thereby avoiding the necessity of a separatemovement on the part of the operator to unlock handle 34. That is tosay, with bail 30 in relaxed position, operating handle 34 is preventedfrom inadvertently moving toward the engaged position which mightpresent a safety hazard, but is conveniently unlocked when bail 30 islowered to the operating position as the projection depresses knob 144.

We claim:
 1. A cable control device adapted for connection to one end ofan elongated control cable and for operative coupling with a deadmanhandle, the cable being shiftable between first and second positions andbeing biased toward the first position, the deadman handle beingshiftable between operating and relaxed positions, said devicecomprising:a shiftable operating handle including means for connectingwith the cable end for selectively shifting the cable between the firstand second positions in response to shifting of said operating handlebetween corresponding first and second positions, said cable, whencoupled with said operating handle correspondingly biasing saidoperating handle toward said first position, said operating handleincluding a rotatable body; and an operating mechanism including --ahousing means rotatably mounting said body, a rotatable coupling elementmeans for coupling with the deadman handle and being rotatable betweenoperating and relaxed positions in response to corresponding shifting ofthe deadman handle when couple thereto, means mounting said elementmeans in coaxial alignment with said body, and holding and releasingmeans coupling said element means and said body for holding saidoperating handle in said second position when said element means is insaid operating position and for releasing said operating handle forshifting from said second position to said first position when saidelement means is in said relaxed position.
 2. The device as set forth inclaim 1, said body being tubular and having an interior wall including ablocking surface defined therein, said holding and releasing meansincluding --shiftable pawl means for engagement with said blockingsurface when said operating handle is in said second position in orderto hold said operating handle in said second position, and shiftableretaining means coupled with said element means for retaining said pawlmeans in said engagement with said blocking surface when said elementmeans is in a retaining position and when said element means is in saidoperating position, and for releasing said pawl means from saidengagement when said element means is in said relaxed position.
 3. Thedevice as set forth in claim 2, said holding and releasing meansincluding means biasing said retaining means toward said retainingposition when said element means is in said operating position.
 4. Thedevice as set forth in claim 1, said mechanism including means biasingsaid element means toward said relaxed position.
 5. A cable controldevice for use with a lawnmower or the like having an operation cableand a deadman bail or the like, the cable and bail being respectivelyshiftable between engaged and disengaged positions, said cable controldevice comprising:a shiftable handle, including means for connectingwith the cable, for selectively shifting the cable between the engagedand disengaged positions in response to corresponding shifting of saidhandle between a primary position corresponding to the engaged positionof the cable and one of a plurality of secondary positions, said onesecondary position corresponding to the disengaged position of thecable; and a locking mechanism, including means for interacting with thebail, for preventing shifting of said handle toward said primaryposition from any one of said secondary positions thereby preventingshifting of the cable to the engaged position when the bail is in thedisengaged position, and for allowing shifting of said handle towardsaid primary position from any one of said secondary positions therebyallowing shifting of the cable to the engaged position when the bail isin the engaged position.
 6. The device as set forth in claim 5, saidhandle presenting a plurality of pawl-receiving recesses correspondingto said plurality of said secondary positions,said locking meansincluding shiftable pawl means for engagement with said recesses inorder to prevent shifting of said handle toward said primary position,and means biasing said pawl means toward said engagement, said releasingmeans including a manual release lever for shifting said pawl means awayfrom said engagement in order to allow said handle to shift toward saidprimary position, said device being adapted for singly accommodatingcontrol cables having individually varying distances of travel betweenthe engaged and disengaged position.